St. Louis is known as a baseball town. We’re also renowned for our gooey butter cake and recognized worldwide for the Gateway Arch.
But in our theaters, museums and dance venues, the sounds and sights of our diverse arts community truly reflect our history and celebrate the talents of our neighbors. We’re lucky to have a thriving arts scene that rivals that of larger cities, but as residents, we’re often unaware of all St. Louis can offer both us and the future artists we’re raising.
Thankfully, every autumn, arts organizations across the city team up to present American Arts Experience – St. Louis, the area’s largest arts event. For 17 days in October, more than 40 organizations will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the collaboration with an exciting lineup of theatre, dance, music, art, and literature productions, many of which are ideal for introducing kids to – and reminding ourselves about – the options for art in our region.
Celebrating St. Louis, honoring America
Each production spotlights the work of American artists, not only from St. Louis but from around the nation. Whether it’s the thunderous sounds of the St. Louis Symphony roaring through the aisles of Powell Hall or an engaging letterpress tour and demonstration at Central Print, all of the work focuses on the same theme of American talent.
Said Paul Reuter, Chairman of the Festival Advisory Board and Executive Director of The Sheldon, “We wanted a unifying theme that all organizations could focus on, but that would still offer plenty of range. There’s so much diversity and breadth in the American arts that it opens up a world of new experiences for our guests.”
This year, arts organizations of all sizes, in locations from Cherokee Street to North County and Southern Illinois to West County, are participating in this year’s event, giving everyone a number of performances and exhibits to choose from, no matter what genre you’re interested in.
While many events, like the Symphony’s performance of An American in Paris or the Lit in the Lou Book Festival in University City, appeal to all members of the family, the American Arts Experience has a number of shows dedicated to the youngest arts fans:
By introducing youngsters to the variety of arts in St. Louis, Reuter hopes it will spark an interest that will only continue to grow as they do and help fuel the arts community in the future.
“The arts inspire creativity, and in the changing world we live in, kids need that creativity to be able to adapt,” he said. “There’s lots of wonderful research that shows participating in the arts not only makes a person whole – it’s a part of our human spirit that needs to be developed – but it builds the skills we need to succeed every day of our lives. Nothing beats experiencing dance, music or art live when you’re young.”
American Arts Experience – St. Louis lasts October 2 – 18, 2015. Prices and venues vary, but a full schedule and performance descriptions are available at www.americanartsstl.org. You can also get the latest updates and deals by following the American Arts Experience at www.facebook.com/AmericanArtsSTL or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AmericanArtsSTL
Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
Come play at The Magic House for free during Emerson Free Family Night. Capacity is limited.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym. Reservations are not necessary.
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Preschoolers can learn, play, explore and grow at the Saint Louis Art Museum's Wee Weekend program for its youngest visitors. Join in on the adventure as your little one discovers new ways of interacting with art and each other.
This 7,000 square-foot makerspace is designed for kids to play, explore create and collaborate. Visitors have a chance to "paint" on the digital easel, use a pottery wheel to create a clay creation, design for a 3D printer, launch air rockets, build robots and circuits and more!